Sichuan Dry Fried Green Beans (干煸四季豆)
A classic Sichuan dish, dry fried green beans deliver a wonderful combination of flavours. This recipe introduces three ways to dehydrate the beans without deep-frying. Vegan options provided.
- Prep time
- 3 min
- Cook time
- 17 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 350 g green beans (about 12oz)
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1 tsp whole Sichuan peppercorn
- 6 dried chilies (or to taste)
- 80 g minced meat (pork, beef or chicken) (about 3oz, see note 1 for vegan options)
- 1 tsp Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 11/2 tbsp Ya Cai (Sichuan preserved mustard greens) (see note 2 for substitutes)
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
Instructions
- 1
Wash green beans and trim off the stem end. Pat dry with a clean tea towel.
- 2
Put the beans, salt and oil into a resealable plastic bag. Shake and rub around to evenly coat the beans.
- 3
Option 1: Oven Roasting: Place the beans onto a roasting tray (large enough to avoid overlapping). Cook in a preheated oven at 220°C / 425°F (Fan 200°C / 400°F) for 12-15 minutes until the beans become slightly charred and blistered.
- 4
Option 2: Air Frying: Preheat the air-fryer at 200°C / 390°F for 3 mins. Add the beans then cook for 6-8 mins until they become pliable and blistered (Shake twice during the process).
- 5
Option 3: Pan Frying: Add the beans to an empty wok or deep frying pan(skillet). Turn the heat to medium-high. Fry for 12-15 mins. Stir and flip frequently for an even result. Dish out when they are slightly charred and blistered.
- 6
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok (or deep frying pan) over a high heat. Fry Sichuan peppercorn and dried chillies until fragrant (do not burn).
- 7
Stir in minced meat and Shaoxing rice wine. When the meat becomes pale, add garlic, ginger, Ya Cai and soy sauce. Fry for 1 minute or so.
- 8
Add the pre-cooked beans. Stir well to mix and combine everything. Serve immediately with plain rice and other savoury dishes.